7 days
Fixed dates
10 people
from 7 years old
Basic
Guest house or tourist center
Russian
Alpine skiing, snowboarding, excursion tours
Let's head to snow-capped mountains and turbulent waters! No boring excursions or boring museums: you'll immerse yourself in the whimsical, picturesque, and mystical world of Altai, see swans wintering on an ice-free lake, learn about the culture and way of life of the Old Believers, go skiing, and horseback riding surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Active days with a wealth of experiences alternate with free time, which can be devoted to skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or husky sledding.
You'll see flocks of snow-white swans peacefully bobbing on the water in clouds of frosty steam, graceful, shy red deer, and huge, shaggy yaks. Visit an Old Believer family, whose way of life has remained unchanged for centuries, and you'll have the opportunity to touch ancient household items. During a visit to a cheese factory, you'll sample delicious artisan cheese and homemade candies. You can try the ski slopes of Belokurikha and Manzherok, and if you choose, enjoy a smoke sauna or relax in a Finnish sauna. We'll also visit the village of Chemal and Patmos Island with its suspension bridge.
Get ready to admire and take lots of photos! Altai is incredibly beautiful at any time of year. In winter, it's a stunning place, where snow-capped mountain slopes contrast with the deep green of coniferous forests and all shades of blue in the turbulent and calm waters. Of course, you'll see the famous Katun River, which takes on a truly unique appearance at this time of year, and a unique natural wonder—the Blue Eyes of the Katun, which open only in the fall and disappear in the spring. We'll also take a walk to a waterfall that has turned into an icefall, stunning in its majesty.
An eco-hotel complex on a mountaintop. Clean air, panoramic views of Mishina Mountain, top-notch service, and only eco-friendly materials. Breathing is easy here, and the snow crunches comfortably underfoot. A Finnish sauna and a wellness center are on site, and the restaurant complex serves buffet breakfasts.
A park hotel surrounded by a pine forest, offering a tranquil and peaceful setting. Spacious rooms are housed in cedar chalets, offering plenty of light and a pleasant aroma of wood. The hotel grounds feature a unique park of wooden sculptures created as part of the "Altai. Attraction" festival in 2018 and 2022.
We'll meet at Gorno-Altaysk Airport no later than 10:00 AM. Please select your flight based on your meeting time.
We'll begin our exploration of the region with one of its most poetic locations, Swan Lake. Hundreds of majestic birds, migrating from the Russian Arctic, spend the winter here. This lake is unique and unrepeatable in Siberia. After a stroll along the shore, capturing hundreds of breathtaking photos, we'll have lunch overlooking the lake. We'll then head to the Olimp-Park Hotel in Belokurikha, where we'll check in and have free time. Spend it however you choose: visit the ski slope, the biathlon track, or the ethnographic museum, which recreates a 19th-century Altai village. In the evening, enjoy a steamy sauna.
After breakfast, we'll head to the village of Solonovka. Here, in a family estate over a century old, lives a family of Old Believers. You'll not only hear the story of how the Old Believers came to Altai from the owner of the estate, but you'll also see numerous ancient household items. Don't think they're just under glass, like in a museum—you can touch, try on, and take photos with each of the "exhibits." Here, we'll be treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch. Afterward, we'll visit a goat farm and a cheese factory. You'll see how artisan cheese is made and sample some homemade candies made from natural Altai ingredients.
The evening is free.
We're located in Belokurikha, which means you definitely need to explore its famous ski slopes! Today, you can customize your leisure time just the way you want. Try alpine skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing on groomed trails of moderate difficulty. The resort also offers a tubing trail.
Looking to unwind after all that winter fun? We recommend visiting the bathhouse complex at the Sanduny Altai resort. It's a true paradise for those who enjoy heat and steam: enjoy a white or black banya, or an outdoor herbal vat!
Please note: the tour price does not include ski passes, ski equipment rental, transfer to Sanduny, or access to the bathhouse complex. Lunch and dinner are also on your own.
After breakfast, we'll leave Belokurikha and head out of the Altai Krai into the Altai Republic. On the border of the two regions, in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountain slopes, lies one of the famous Altai maral herds, Kaimskoye. You'll learn about the ailments treated with antlers—young, unossified antlers of marals. In addition to the graceful and swift marals, the complex also houses massive, unflappable yaks, which you'll also be able to observe up close. The fourth day's program also includes a horseback ride. Choose your preferred format: horseback riding, sleigh ride, or team riding. Either way, you'll enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains!
Breakfast and dinner are included, or you can enjoy lunch independently at the maral herd's restaurant.
On the fifth day, we'll see the main river of Altai, the Katun—turbulent, powerful, and beautiful. We'll be sure to stop in places where the ice hasn't frozen over (the Katun never freezes completely). Stunning shades of deep blue and piercing azure, a haze of frost on drooping tree branches, and fantastically shaped ice floes. Then we'll walk to Kamyshlinsky Waterfall. Unlike the Katun, it freezes in winter, turning into an icefall—crystalline streams of water frozen mid-flight. Then
, after visiting the village of Chemal, we'll take a short hike to the Blue Lakes of Katun, also known as the Blue Eyes of Katun. These vibrantly colored lakes are unique in that they only open in the fall. In winter, they look simply incredible, surrounded by snow-capped banks, birches, spruces, and pines.
The price includes breakfast and dinner; lunch is on your own.
Taking a break from an action-packed day, today is a free day in Manzherok. One of the most popular resorts in Altai, there's something for everyone. You can rent equipment and hit the ski slopes, then explore the surrounding area on a husky or snowmobile. A more peaceful and relaxing way to unwind is to take the cable car to the top of Malaya Sinyukha Mountain, enjoy the stunning views from the observation deck, and then take a walk through the forest.
Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the day. Lunch and additional activities are on your own.
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Come back to continue exploring beautiful Altai at another time of year!
Meeting with the guide and the start of the program is before 10:00, so choose morning flights with this time in mind.
We recommend this tour for children aged 7 and up. A discount is available for travelers aged 7-12.
There's an additional charge for independent activities on free days (sauna complex, ski and snowboard rentals, etc.), as well as dinners and lunches on some days. If you plan to purchase alcohol and souvenirs, please factor these costs in as well.
Even if you don't plan to ski or snowboard, we recommend bringing a ski suit with warm pants and good wind protection. Comfortable winter boots are also essential.
Mobile phone and internet service is available at accommodations and throughout most of the trip, but may be lost briefly during highway transfers.
Ask your tour coordinator questions
Tour from an official tour operator listed in the Rostourism register
